SBS loses another key executive

Just a day after their Summer / Autumn programming launch, SBS has lost one of its key executives in Peter Newman, Head of Production and Development.

Newman will become Head of Production and Development for production company WTFN (Bondi Vet, Keeping Up With The Joneses, Coxy’s Big Break, Mercurio’s Menu).

Yesterday Newman talked up the forthcoming SBS slate to media, and the original productions that had been under his development.

Whilst at SBS, Newman managed the commissioning team, budget and slate for the broadcaster as well as commissioning key programmes including Go Back To Where You Came From, The Family and Living The End. Prior SBS he worked for UK and US broadcasters, including 8 years with the BBC.

At WTFN he will oversee a slate including series four of Bondi Vet, two new documentaries, and a new series featuring Tony Robinson. He will also move to Melbourne to take up the new role.

“It’s a very exciting time to be joining WTFN,” Newman said. “There’s an exceptional team there who I’m really looking forward to working with and the domestic and international production slates are busy with great content. I’m looking forward to bringing my ideas and production experience to the company and helping WTFN continue its fantastic growth both here and overseas.”

WTFN Managing Director, Daryl Talbot, added, “We’ve known Pete since he first moved to Australia from England. He is an extremely passionate TV producer with a great understanding of viewers’ tastes, and a ton of creative flair. With more projects coming on line in Australia and abroad, Pete’s skill set will boost our team of EP’s and help the company grow to the next level.”

The announcement from WTFN is one of several new roles including current production and development head, Steve Oemcke becoming Director of Programs.

Oemcke has been overseen more than 400 hours of production including eight series of Coxy’s Big Break, six series of Talk To The Animals, five series of Mercurio’s Menu and four series of Bondi Vet.

“Steve’s skill in taking an idea and converting it in highly watchable television has been a cornerstone of WTFN’s success,” Talbot said. “He will now head up what I believe is one of the most talented creative teams in the country.”

WTFN also appoints UK-based Executive Producer, Shaun Gilmartin to the role of Head of International Co-Productions.

Gilmartin worked with WTFN to create Tony Robinson Explores Australia series and will now develop further international co-productions.

SBS is yet to announce a new Director of Television and will now have to fill the role of Head of Production and Development.